Reaping the Benefits, Now and Later

Transition can be cruel. Post 9/11 era veterans are finding the transition into the civilian world to be a difficult due to a lack of education. Though many have the experience, skills and knowledge needed to work in corporate America’s finest institutions, a small number of soldiers put forth the effort to obtain a degree. In the civilian world, a degree frequently sets apart one potential employee from the others. In a LA Times article the writer pens, “many lack the degrees that employers are seeking” (Semuels 2011). In order to be a little more persuasive, the author states, that as of June 2011, “the jobless rate for veterans who served at any time after September of 2001 was at 13.3%” (Semuels 2011). My decision to enroll in Western Governors University (WGU) stems from a trepidation of the becoming a member of the under employed veteran community, an existence which demands an increase in my current earnings and a career that

My voracious appetite for success versus a market where employers hold all the cards has had a great influence on my decision. I have had multiple opportunities to prepare for my future, however, like many soldiers; my frivolous use of time has placed me in a position where I have to act rapidly. While wondering what steps I could take to thwart a personal fiscal collapse, I observed Governor Mitch Daniels in a television ad, pitching WGU. Out of interest, I went to the WGU Indiana web page to get more details. There, in a video, Governor Mitch Daniels stated “I could attend college online, on my own schedule, and at a cost that I could afford” (indiana.wgu.edu, 2012). At this point, I was beginning ponder the thought of an all online degree but I was still skeptical.

There were other fa...

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...ts. I can work from a computer lab in Afghanistan or from a smart phone at a local park if considered necessary. WGU has also allowed me to harvest the benefits that I have earned as a soldier. Most importantly WGU is spring-board to a successful career when I turn in my gear. Remember, a veteran is not guaranteed a great job solely based upon his service to the country. Nevertheless, if you are in a state of affairs similar to mine, enroll in WGU, finish your degree plan and enjoy the benefits now and in the future.

Works Cited

Semuels, A. (2011, July 11). Unemployment, Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 2011, from Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/11/business/la-fi-veteranjobs-20110711

(Daniels, 2011)

Mitch Dainiels, WGU Indinana. (2012, October 10). Retrieved October 10, 2012, from Indiana University Online: http://indiana.wgu.edu/